Accessory strap: lifespan, functions and price

The accessory strap is used to supply power to all of your car's accessories: air conditioning, power steering, alternator. For this, it is driven by a crankshaft and a damper pulley. It is a wearing part that needs to be replaced every 100-150 kilometers.

🚗 What is the role of the accessory strap?

To supply the various elements of your vehicle, your battery not enough. It even needs to be recharged. So this is yours strap for accessories who will give this energy.

Its main function is to feed alternatorthat recharges your battery. This is why it is often referred to as a generator belt. But it also allows you to feed other items such as:

• Le Cooling system your engine;
• Your circuit air conditioner using a refrigerant gas compressor;
• La power steering providing energy to its pump.

The accessory strap works like a gear. It is driven by rotation crankshaftwhich itself rotates the motor pulley, also called damper pulleythrough which the accessory strap runs. He then turns the accessory pulleys one at a time, supplying them with power.

For the belt to work, it must be perfectly taut. This is a job tension rollers who accompany him.

🗓️ When to change the accessory belt?

The accessory belt wears out. We advise you to change every 100 – 000 150 km... But this flexible part is subject to very many voltage variations. This is why she can suddenly give in.

Therefore, we advise you to check it every year to see if there are any cracks or cracks on it, and to watch very closely for signs of wear:

• La belt squeaks : The accessory strap is worn out or abnormally tensioned. The rollers could wear out.
• Le battery indicator is on and you notice difficult starting and / or lower headlights: this is a sign that your battery is low. The generator is poorly powered and no longer supplies electricity to charge the battery.
• The Seer of coolantThe engine temperature warning light is also on: here, too, your water pump is not getting enough power.
• One lack of cold in your air conditioner : The compressor does not start because the belt is not supplying enough power.
• The steering wheel is getting heavier and heavier : Likewise, the power steering pump no longer turns on.

If you find any of these signs, then you need to change the accessory strap.. This is a pretty daunting task. If you don't feel like doing it alone, feel free to make an appointment at one of our trusted garages!

🔧 How do I keep my accessory strap?

The accessory belt is subject to wear and, unfortunately, is not serviceable. The main parameter for the durability of your accessory belt is the type of use of your vehicle.

We advise you check voltage as soon as noise appears on it. This is a sign of reinstallation, often found on multi-ribbed belts. When this happens, wear is much faster.

Also keep in mind that if you turn on the air conditioner regularly, your belt will wear out much faster.

Good to know : In the city, the diesel engine jerks more than the gasoline engine, which will shorten the life of the auxiliary belt.

?? How much does it cost to change the accessory strap?

Unlike the timing belt, it is not necessary to replace the entire kit, which also includes the tensioners, when replacing an auxiliary belt.

Intervention is less difficult, even if some vehicles require wheel lift and wheel removal. Think between 40 and 300 euros to change the auxiliary belt and 60 and 350 euros to change the accessory belt set.

Now you know what an accessory belt is for and what the signs of wear are. But these symptoms may have other causes as well. To pinpoint the cause of a malfunction, do not hesitate to have one of our certified mechanics diagnosed!